Since its inception over 30 years ago, Benelli’s Super Black Eagle series has led the semi-auto hunting shotgun ranks. For 2022, Benelli raises the bar in the growing sub-gauge movement with the release of eight new 3-inch chamber 28-gauge Super Black Eagle 3 models.
The SBE3 28-gauge, 3-inch answers the growing call of waterfowlers who hunt where tight quarters favor the sub-gauge. The new SBE3 models continue the proven performance and rugged construction that has made the Super Black Eagle a popular choice among hunters, yet does so in a lighter weight, faster-handling package ideally suited for those decoyed birds in flooded timber. Offered in Crio-treated 26- and 28-inch barrel lengths, the 28-gauge SBE3s weigh in at 5.5 and 5.6 pounds, respectively, with 47½- and 49½-inch overall lengths.
While the 28-gauge SBE3 work with standard 2¾-inch shotshells, hunters can tap into the new class of 3-inch loads. This diversity significantly broadens the 28-gauge SBE3’s field applications, with a single platform that is lighter, faster and easily adaptable to a broad range of hunting environments.
The SBE3 28-gauge comes in a custom-fitted hard case with five Crio choke tubes—IC and M extended tubes and C, IM, and F flush tubes—plus a choke wrench and shim kit for drop and cast adjustment. Additional features include an oversized bolt handle, enlarged bolt release and oversized safety for easy operation when wearing gloves. A carbon-fiber rib, contributing to the shotgun’s light weight, ends in a fiber-optic red-bar front sight for enhanced visibility in low light. With its clean and consistent Inertia Drive System, refined operation and integrated Comfort Tech 3 recoil reduction system, for waterfowl and upland hunters in search of an upgrade, this 28-gauge workhorse is worth a hard look.
The 28-gauge SBE3 has an MSRP of $1,799-$1,899, and is available in eight models, differentiated by barrel length and stock finish. Available stocks include black synthetic, Realtree Max-5, Realtree Timber, GORE Optifade and Mossy Oak Bottomland. For more information, visit benelliusa.com.
